For 5-Year-Old Berlin Girl, Princess Parade Leads To Disney

BERLIN — Leah Prendergast is 5 years old, in ill health, and not of royal birth. But on Saturday she'll be a princess.

That morning, a horse-drawn carriage will take Leah, her sister and her mother through town, escorted by police and firefighters, to a plaza where a cheering crowd will greet them.

It's a community show of support for the girl who lives in the town's East Berlin section. She will head Sunday with her family to Disney World in Florida, a trip made possible by the state chapter of Make-A-Wish, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Details about Leah's medical condition were kept private at the request of her family and Make-A-Wish, who want the emphasis to be on what should be a lovely day for the girl and her family, according to Michael Dominick, the Make-A-Wish community and media relations manager.

"To see an entire community so passionate to make the day that much more special for her is so moving," he said Thursday, speaking on the family's behalf. "We're honored that so many people have joined in this effort to make Leah's wish such a memorable experience."

About 50 firefighters and police are working with town employees, residents and businesses to make the "princess parade" a success.

Contributions include the horse and carriage ride, a princess outfit for a woman who will greet the family at the end of the parade, and a full beauty treatment for Leah to prepare her to meet Snow White, her favorite character, at Disney World.

"I haven't met her, but I'll probably do her toes and nails in pink or some bright color," said Arianna Gauthier, the stylist at Creations Nail and Hair Salon at Webster Square, where the parade will end. "Her hair will be curled, with lots of sparkles in it. We're so excited to do this."

At the plaza, Leah will have a red carpet to step on to and be greeted by a princess in a costume loaned by Connecticut Stage Supply in Plainville.

Peter Niro of Berlin is providing the horse and carriage. The greeters at Webster Plaza for Leah's 9:30 a.m. beauty appointment will be made up of town officials, workers, residents and anyone else who wants to show up and cheer.

Sheila Wagner, executive assistant to Town Manager Denise McNair, was involved in some of the planning and said "the communiry has really pitched in, and this turned into a parade through town, with police and fire escort. The mayor will be there to issue a proclamation. All four fire departments in town are sending vehicles. This really shows the support the town gives."

A portion of Route 72 will be closed for the parade, which starts at 9 a.m. in East Berlin and ends by 9:30 a.m. in Webster Square.